Penny crunched her treats, sniffed around for more, accepted a quick pet and gingerly jumped back inside the box to continue her nap.

Penny, the library’s beloved resident cat since 2004, was oblivious to the support she received last week when Patrick Higgins, former member of the Recreation Commission, embarked on a one-man quest to evict the cat from the library.

Higgins said the cat prevents people with allergies from using the public building. There have been no formal complaints from patrons.

Penny’s fate still isn’t sealed. That will be up to the Board of Library Trustees, who will meet about the matter on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Community Center, 260 Ocean Grove Ave.

Higgins, who has a history of policing the town for open meeting law and ADA building violations, said he would withdraw his complaint about Penny if the library meets certain “conditions.”

Higgins wants the library to post warning signs to alert allergy sufferers that a cat is present. He also asked that the Board of Health certify there are no health hazards due to a cat living in the library. Higgins wants the Trustees to vote that Penny will not be replaced by another cat in the future.

But, the library may not be required to bend to Higgins’ wishes.

The ADA does not prohibit animals from public buildings, according to Dena W. Iverson, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Justice.

Allergies are only covered under ADA rulings if they are “severe enough to substantially limit a major life activity.”

“All public buildings are required to make reasonable modifications for those allergies, such as temporarily removing the allergen or installing an air filter,” Iverson said in an email.

Additionally and aside from the cat, another of Higgins’ conditions asked that the library remove an exterior fence that he said blocks the wheelchair accessible entrance. Library Trustee Chairman Brian Lowney said the fence was erected temporarily for winter because the flagstones got very slippery. He said the fence was removed last week.

Meanwhile, life is going on as usual for Penny, though she may be a little tired from her many fans who visited the library last week, not to mention all the petting.

“I loved that so many people visited the library,” Gafford said. “My hope is that we can just get back to normal. I think Penny would like it back to normal.”

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A petition at the library to keep Penny right where she is garnered more than 400 signatures by Monday morning. An online petition started by Aubrey Laflamme, a former Swansea resident, on www.change.com attracted 2,144 supporters, plus an additional 400 “likes” on Laflamme’s facebook page. A poll on The Herald News web site brought in 1,280 votes on the issue with 87 percent in Penny’s favor.

Penny on Monday was still the center of much affection after last week’s events. More than one patron crooned over the feline. One woman came in with a gift of Fancy Feast cat food.

“Penny is here and I think this is where she’s going to stay,” Gafford said. “She runs this library. We take care of her.”